How Much Sun Does Each Vegetable Need? (Complete Chart)
Most vegetables need 6–8 hours of direct sun. Leafy greens tolerate 4–6.
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
| Variety | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Tomato | 6-8 hours |
| Pepper | 6-8 hours |
| Zucchini | 6-8 hours |
| Cucumber | 6-8 hours |
| Bean | 6-8 hours |
| Sunflower | 6-8 hours |
| Zinnia | 6-8 hours |
| Marigold | 6-8 hours |
Partial Sun (4-6 hours)
| Variety | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Lettuce | 4-6 hours |
| Spinach | 4-6 hours |
| Kale | 4-6 hours |
| Radish | 4-6 hours |
| Carrot | 4-6 hours |
| Beet | 4-6 hours |
| Broccoli | 4-6 hours |
| Basil | 4-6 hours |
| Cilantro | 4-6 hours |
| Parsley | 4-6 hours |
| Chives | 4-6 hours |
| Cosmos | 4-6 hours |
How to Measure Your Light
- Pick a clear day.
- Note when sun first hits your spot.
- Note when it leaves.
- That’s your direct sun hours.
What Counts as “Direct Sun”?
Direct sun = sun hits the plant without a barrier.
- Through a window: filtered, counts as ~50%
- Through a tree: dappled, counts as ~50%
- Cloudy day: doesn’t count
Common Questions
My balcony gets 4 hours. What can I grow? Lettuce, spinach, kale, radishes, herbs. Not tomatoes.
Can I grow tomatoes in partial sun? Yes, but yields will be lower. Cherry tomatoes tolerate it best.
Does morning or afternoon sun matter? Afternoon sun is stronger.
Can I use a grow light to supplement? Yes. Add 4-6 hours.
What if my window faces north? You’ll need a grow light.
Do herbs need less sun? Most herbs prefer 6+ hours.